For players hesitant about player-versus-player combat, Dune: Awakening offers a reassuring option. The game’s expansive endgame area known as the deep desert is primarily a PvP hotspot, but there is a substantial PvE-only section where players can explore and gather resources without the threat of other players attacking them. This was confirmed by Funcom during a recent livestream demonstration.
What You’ll Find Behind the Shield Wall
Creative director Joel Bylos explained that beyond the shield wall in the deep desert, players will encounter PvE content such as shipwrecks to raid and ecolabs to explore. This area spans about 24 kilometers, providing ample space for those who prefer to avoid PvP conflicts while still enjoying the rich environment and rewards the deep desert has to offer.
The Deep Desert’s Dynamic Environment
The deep desert is the location for the largest spice deposits in the game, as well as contested control points and valuable blueprints. Notably, the geography of this zone is reshaped weekly by massive sandstorms, which also erase player-built bases, adding a unique challenge. Despite its harsh and competitive nature, the presence of a dedicated PvE zone ensures that players can engage with the content on their own terms.
Developer Insights on PvE Inclusion
Executive producer Scott Junior emphasized the importance of including a PvE area within the deep desert. He highlighted that this design choice caters to players who might be reluctant or fearful of PvP, allowing them to experience the deep desert without the risk of immediate player attacks.
Conclusion
Dune: Awakening balances its intense PvP gameplay with a thoughtful PvE zone in the deep desert, ensuring that all players can enjoy the game’s rich endgame content according to their preferred playstyle.